Unique rare gemstone discovered in Elahera

A rare gem-quality Serendibite was recently discovered in Elahera in the North Central province.

Serendibite is an extremely rare silicate mineral that was first discovered in Sri Lanka in 1902 and named after Serendib, the old Arabic name for Sri Lanka.

Serendibites have also been discovered in Myanmar, however, gem-quality Serendibite is only found in Sri Lanka, says the owner of the gemstone. “Serendibite is still considered as one of the 10 rarest gems in the world and fetches an extremely high market value,” he says. The owner of the gemstone comes from a family involved in the gem business and requested anonimity.

The above pictured stone exhibits an impressive weight of 9.15 Carats and has a transparent finish. It displays an attractive array of colours with the transmitted light from the pavilion view of the specimen and the owner says it’s a unique investment.

It displays a variety of more than six colours under transmitted light, including Yellow, Orange, Orangish red, Green, Brown, Blue, Teal and black whereas ordinary Serendibites usually shows two to three colours. The phenomenon colours are due to the element of boron in Sri Lankan Serendibites, explains the owner.

Serendibites commonly feature in the top of lists of the most valuable and rare gemstones in the world and are highly sought after by collectors, says the owner. The gemstone is certified by the Gemological Institute of Colombo, National Gem and Jewellery Authority Sri Lanka and Gem and Jewellery Research and Training institute of Sri Lanka. While Serendibites usually fetches US$1.8 million per carat, the owner says it is difficult to put a price on a gemstone of such rarity and unique qualities.